Salvation Army supports Europe flood response

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As floodwaters rose in eastern Germany, The Salvation Army assisted victims and volunteer workers in the region, serving warm meals and coffee, packing sandbags, listening to heartbroken people and giving practical assistance where needed. Clothing was distributed to people displaced by the floods. Salvation Army relief activities were carried out in coordination with the local government and the fire service.

When the swollen River Danube threatened the Hungarian capital of Budapest, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared an emergency and his government asked The Salvation Army to provide essential supplies and assistance as evacuations take place. Although emergency disaster response assistance had been provided previously, this was the first time the Hungarian government had officially requested Salvation Army help since its re-establishment in the country in 1990.

Salvation Army officers and volunteers began serving hot meals and drinks to workers constructing emergency flood protection measures on Margaret Island, in the city centre section of the river. As 300,000 sandbags were assembled on site, The Salvation Army worked closely with disaster management professionals, water management experts, firefighters, soldiers and civilian volunteers. Hot food was prepared in The Salvation Army’s Új Reménység Háza men’s hostel in the city, with the Army’s relief efforts bolstered by clients of the homeless shelter.

Regional Officer Major Andrew Morgan praised the quick and efficient response of the Budapest team and called for prayer support. ‘Pray that our responders would remain physically strong and spiritually alert as they minister in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and on behalf of The Salvation Army,’ he said.